KYCK

Learn more about our partnership with Jozy Altidore to help...

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:00:45 -0500

Learn more about our partnership with Jozy Altidore to help raise money for Generosity Water and bring clean water to a village in Haiti.

JOIN Jozy and help us make a difference!

KYCK is teaming up with Jozy Altidore and Generosity Water to...

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:31:08 -0500

KYCK is teaming up with Jozy Altidore and Generosity Water to help bring clean water to Haiti…Simply join the event to help us KYCK back and make a difference!

Create an account on KYCK before Wednesday’s USA vs....

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:31:38 -0400

Create an account on KYCK before Wednesday’s USA vs. Mexico “International Frenemie” match, and you could win a Jozy Altidore USA jersey OR a Chicharito Mexico jersey! (Courtesy of SoccerPro.com)

Can’t make it to NYC? You can still JOIN the conversation...

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:42:58 -0400

Can’t make it to NYC? You can still JOIN the conversation with fellow fans, get match updates and more on KYCK from your iPhone, computer or any Web enabled device!

In the latest episode of KYCK 90, we discuss the MLS All-Stars...

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:28:03 -0400

In the latest episode of KYCK 90, we discuss the MLS All-Stars against Chelsea, our recent KYCKchat with Alexi Lalas, the USWNT’s Miley Cyrus-inspired music video, address some user feedback and give you a sneak-peek of KYCK v3. Let us know your thoughts!

MLS: The Hope for Expansion in St. Louis

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:37:00 -0400

Back in 2008, St. Louis was a potential destination for the next expansion team in Major League Soccer, which ultimately went to Philadelphia. Soccer fans of St. Louis remained hopeful for another chance. The chance did come—and not just one. But they went to Vancouver, Portland, and then Montreal. Like many possibilities in St. Louis, ideas are served up, but rarely come through. Grandiose idea and the ensuing excitement are the basic building blocks of a St. Louisan’s make up. This city was once the ‘place to be.’ Yet that was over a hundred years ago around the turn of the 20^th century. Fast forward to 2012, with a shrinking economy and businesses escaping the urban center, St. Louisans’ hopes and aspirations of obtaining an MLS team are rapidly fading.

Soccer in St. Louis is like a historical novel with the last chapter yet to be written. St. Louis has the fandom, history and nostalgic value that every soccer fan yearns for. This history dates back to the 1950 World Cup. The team that beat England had five St. Louisans. In a span of 15 years from 1959-1974, Saint Louis University won 10 national championships comprised of local players. More currently in today’s game, Taylor Twellman, Pat Noonan, Brad Davis and Chris Klein made their respective marks. Now, players such as Tim Ream (now playing for Bolton in the English Premier League after leaving New York Red Bulls), Will Bruin, Tommy Meyer and Brandon Barklage are trying their best to make an impact. Who wouldn’t love to potentially watch local players don the hometown uniform? (see: David Freese). In order to solidify its reputation as this nation’s soccer hot bed it needs to add an MLS franchise. Unfortunately, having immense talent won’t get you an MLS team. As we all know, the MLS is a business and that means one thing: money—something the gateway city lacks in a major way. This is also a sport that is just now starting to see a rise in popularity and return on its investment since its inception in 1996.

As we have seen in this country, soccer is a slow growing sport and business. MLS owners need a mix of patience and love of the game. It’s exciting to think that one of the game’s premier owners (Stan Kroenke) owns the St. Louis Rams, among many other franchises, and is also the majority shareholder of the English Premier League soccer giant, Arsenal. We St. Louisans believe it’s only a matter of time and that this is our golden ticket to obtaining a professional soccer team. We also know that we have what it takes for an MLS franchise to thrive in St. Louis. Hopefully, the fourth time is a charm.

Contributed by Colin Rooney

Follow Colin on KYCK and Twitter

Get up to date on all things footy. In under 90 seconds. We...

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:39:17 -0400

Get up to date on all things footy. In under 90 seconds. We present to you, KYCK90.

If you find yourself scouring the web repeatedly for breaking...

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:12:01 -0400

If you find yourself scouring the web repeatedly for breaking news that simply won’t come, you may have a case of the Post-EURO Blues. Start treatment today at kyck.com

Top Social Media Moments, from the Champions of Europe.

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:45:13 -0400

Increíble. Spain are the champions of Europe. Again. Their 4-0 destruction of Italy will cement their place as one of the best teams to play in any sport. Spain wraps a four-year cycle from 2008 to 2012 where they won the European Cup twice, the World Cup in between, and won 61 games, lost only six and drew four. Let’s get to the best tweets from the build-up to and the come-down from the final.

Ahead of the match, the mutual respect was on display from the two Mediterranean giants. Sergio Ramos took the time to snap a photo with the peerless Pirlo, arguably the player of the tournament leading up to the final.

After the match ended (and to be honest it was over after Alba’s second goal), it was celebration time for the Spaniards. We got multiple shots of hardware and diminutive playmakers, first from Andrés Iniesta, then Cesc Fàbregas who gave us a shot with both European trophies. Finally, Juan Mata posed with the Henri Delaunay Trophy, his third trophy this year, adding to his FA Cup and Champions League wins with Chelsea.

One of the most impressive things about Spain’s victory, was that they did it without their charismatic captain Carles Puyol and the man who normally finished off their flowing football, David Villa. Both were injured but made it to the final to be a part of the celebrations. Puyol snapped this photo from the foot of Spain’s trophy raising.

What says you? Is Spain the greatest team that sport has ever seen?

EURO2012, The Tournament That Could Forever Change the English National Team

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 06:50:39 -0400

This could be the tournament that changes the fabric of the English national team.

With nothing expected from the Three Lions prior to EURO 2012, it was almost a no lose situation for Roy Hodgson, and he certainly came out on top after four spirited displays.

Though spirited, the displays acted mostly to magnify major weaknesses England suffer from. Ball possession, ageing stars, lack of attacking creativity…and oh yeah the inability to win a penalty shootout. You have to be cruel to be kind.

Yet solace can come from youngsters such as Danny Wellbeck, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all getting their first taste of tournament football and flourishing. Wellbeck was particular impressive, as was fellow forward Andy Carroll, both contributing massively with goals and guile in the 3-2 win over Sweden.

Wayne Rooney delivered what he is supposed to do, goals, well one goal at least. Other than that, the games he saw action in — after his suspension forced him to sit out the first two group games — didn’t go well for the man who has the weight of a nation on his broad shoulders. He looked lethargic, wasteful in possession and at times disinterested. I’m not saying Rooney should be dropped, but certainly Hodgson needs to reinvigorate his star mans hunger in an England shirt.

The overriding feeling form the tournament will be hope. Hope that Hodgson is the right man (which he proved with several shrewd tactical switches during the tournament), hope that England’s youngsters can gain a wealth of experience from appearing at a major finals tournament, hope that one day England will actually win a penalty shootout.

It’s not all doom and gloom. Hodgson had three weeks to build his team and mold them into a side which could get results. They did just that, winning two and drawing two of their four games. Respectable. Yes, England must control possession more and dictate the play better. But when have England ever been good and doing that? Certainly not since I was born in 88’. Some may argue for spells under Terry Venables in 1996 but for the most part the English national side have papered over the cracks, qualified regularly for major tournaments and then forgotten all the lessons they’d learned from past failures when they arrive at the big occasions. That has to change.

Roy Hodgson is an intelligent man and football manager. He will already be switching his attention towards qualification for the World Cup in 2014 and learning from Ukraine and Poland. He is eager to give younger players the chance to shine. He should do just that and maybe get them to practice penalties after every training session, if they aren’t anyway. England huffed and puffed their way around stadiums in Kiev and Donetsk this June without ever really looking like world beaters. But the fact of the matter is, they came just a crossbar’s width and Gianluigi Buffon’s intuition away from getting a shot at making the final of the European championships. Something they’ve only ever done twice in the nations proud football history. The only time they’ve made the semis in the modern format was at EURO 1996 and they blew it, to Germany, on penalties. Come on, you know the script by now. In Roy we trust, given time I fully expect him to alter that script by succeeding where his predecessors failed. Next stop, Brazil.

The Spain Drain

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 12:43:00 -0400

Boring, boring, boring! One of the nuttier side stories of the Euros has been the backlash against the greatest team of our era. Spain, and the Barcelona team that includes Xavi, Iniesta, Pique, Busquets, the currently absent Puyol and Villa, and now Jordi Alba, have redefined fútbol.

Their triangular tika-taka wizardry was not so long ago hailed as brilliant, beautiful, and the like. Now the operative “b” adjective in the mouths and ink of sports journalists and futboleros alike is: boring.

The Spain-France semi-final was called a snoozefest, though there were intermittent voices of defense, such as mine. The logic was: It is not Spain, but rather overly defensive opposition, that is to blame. A match may be dull, but it doesn’t follow that Spain are the makers or the “meh.” Spain are skilled enough to starve their opponents and drain their energy by letting the ball do the running. All true.

Then Spain-Portugal happened, and Spain’s western neighbors brought a game. They battled for possession, looked for Nani and Ronaldo on the flanks, and threatened throughout. But it was an odd threat, one that didn’t lead to a single shot on target, and allowed Spain to find their form and create chances in extra time. Then San Iker Casillas saved Portugal’s first penalty while on the other side four of Spain’s five takers, none of them regularly in that position, went on the net theirs.

What of the criticism?: ESPN titled their match report: Did The Best Team Lose? Michael Cox at zonalmarking.net wrote of Portugal disrupting Spain’s rhythm and Bento being the more “tactically astute” of the managers (despite the inexplicable decision to leave Ronaldo last in the penalty lineup). Simon Burnton of guardian.co.uk wrote of the Spanish “panic.”. Then there was bar banter, tweets on the twitters, and the resurgence accusations of La Roja being, well, boring.

The origin of all this is fatigue. The global soccer audience (excepting Spain fans, naturally) feels drained by seeing the same team always win. Still Spain continue to win.

Take away their sharpest striker and their most heavy metal defender. Park the bus. Attack them. Watch them play with a man, Negredo or Torres, who hardly touches the ball. Watch them play with Fabregas as a false 9, a strategy he admits the team had not even practiced. Watch them send their defenders into a shootout after the only proven penalty taker on the team, Alonso, has missed his. (Watch Ramos’ Pirlonian spot kick!)

They keep on winning.

You could say that the mark of a great side is being able to get victories even on off days or when you are dealing with significant problems, such as who will score your goals. You could praise how they win the ball back, position themselves, and leave so few chances to their frustrated opponents. You could feel lucky to witness such a historic run and mesmerizing generation of futbolistas.

Or you could just say: boring.

Contributed by Robin Kello: @BlogLaLiga

Remaining Fit for EURO2012

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:22:49 -0400

What’s more exciting than the World Cup? Nothing really but the EURO2012 does its best job to pick up the slack as 3 summers must pass between World Cups. EURO 2012 Tournament puts 16 of the best countries in Europe into one, fun filled, month long competition to be crowned THE champion of Europe. With it comes bragging rights, and the automatic draw into the next World Cup. I mean, who in Europe doesn’t want to spend a month in Brazil?!?!

However, before you even set foot on the pitch for your first game, you have to survive another “preseason”. I place quotation marks around preseason simply because, the majority of the players are coming off a 2 week holiday after a 10 month season, which may include up to 55 games for some teams and players. So why is it they must survive? It’s simple, international coaches often forget what their players have just completed. With added pressure to perform at a large tournament, coaches often push their players to be fit, to be sharp, and to be something that they’re physically not capable of doing. In doing so, they place a high risk of failure on their shoulders, often due to injuries from overtraining or improper preparation for the tournament.

Going back to my last blog, I noted the effects of playing without your starters or attempting to train without key players. How effective can a team truly be in a tournament as this without them? Take into consideration some smaller countries that have players coming from leagues across the world with different season schedules. Some teams will have players coming from the EPL/La Liga/Ligue 1 who have just completed a grueling 10 month season and then throw in some players coming from leagues such as the MLS who are in the middle of the season. Common sense says, “There has to be a different approach for training for acclimate the players.” However, this is not done and coaches tend to push their team into two-a-days, draining every ounce of energy that player has, in order to get them “fit” for the tournament run.

Luckily, the tournament is designed to give optimal rest in between games. A research study done by Raymond Verheijen, he shows the value of 3 days rest when compared to 2 days rest during a season. The results are quite interesting, so at least we can thank the tournament committee on providing 3 days in between fixtures. However, we as soccer players, coaches, enthusiasts, still know 3 days does not provide ample enough time to recover from or to treat injuries properly. Because of this, teams begin to rack up a number of injuries that can often have substantial effects to their team. Take a look at the current injury list for EURO 2012 and pay close attention to the number of muscular injuries. I see 19 of 44 or 43% of all injuries are muscular/soft tissue related and many are ruled out for the entire tournament. Granted, these types of injuries will occur at any level and with any amount of rest, but it’s tough to see a tournament scarred from this problem.

So the biggest question is, “How can we reduce the prevalence of soft tissue injuries in such a tournament?” If I had the exact answer or cure, I wouldn’t be doing this blog and I’d be on my own island off the coast of Dubai, with a good view of Real Madrid’s vacation resort. Unfortunately, I do not know the almighty answer; rather I can only provide suggestions on proper recovery.

With three days in between fixtures, recovery and preparation must maximize the player’s ability to be 100% for the next game. In order to do so, you must rest and be active. Wait, what?! Yes, I said it. Active recovery is aimed at getting the body moving to remove the waste products in the muscles. This can be achieved through various ways but the majority follows a simple model:

Game Day – Post Game

Long Cool Down
Cold Tubs/Ice immersions
Recovery Nutrition (replace carbohydrates)
Leg Compression Tights (new fad that’s research driven to improve venous return of blood to rid of lactic acid build up)

Post Game – Day 1

Proper Nutrition throughout the day
Re-Gen Session

Light Jog 10-15 min
Extensive stretching
Light resistance training, body weight
Massage
Pool workout (can be done instead of resistance training)

Contrast Baths or Cold Tubs

Post Game – Day 2

Proper nutrition throughout the day
1 hr to 1 hr 15 min session
Cold Tubs
Massage

Post Game – Day 3 (Game Prep)

Proper nutrition (carbohydrate loading)
45 min to 1 hr session
Cold tubs
massage

As stated before, this is a simple model which many teams may or may not follow. As I’ve found out being around the sport, cultural influences go a very long way. That to me, is one of the glories of soccer, you can learn so much from so many different backgrounds which can only enhance your knowledge base and allow you to adapt and develop your own method.

Derek Lawrance MS, ATC – I’m a lifelong soccer player/enthusiast who has managed to stay close to the game as possible by becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainer’s Association. I received my Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training at James Madison University (Go Dukes!) and my Master of Science in Exercise Science from Georgia Southern University (Go Eagles!). I worked for three and a half years at Elon University with their NCAA Men’s Division 1 soccer team and have since moved on continuing my career in as an Assistant Athletic Trainer in Major League Soccer (MLS) with CHIVAS USA (!Viva las Chivas!). Follow me: @dllawrance.

Spain in Reverse: Looking Back at La Roja before Les Bleus

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:55:40 -0400

Spain v Croatia
Gol gol gol de España! 88th minute: Cesc lifts the ball over the defensive line to Iniesta, who rolls it off to Jesús Navas, who blasts it in from inches away. Fernando Torres started as striker but was subbed for a midfielder, Navas, after a dismal hour. Torres saw fewer touches than any other Spanish player except Casillas. Cesc had come on minutes earlier.

Casillas saves! Earlier, the team recently called the Tiki-Taka Taliban and the Spanish Art Project were riding their luck. With Ireland beating Italy, an unanswered Croatian goal would eliminate Spain. Modric produced an immaculate cross for Rakitic and San Iker was forced into another saintly stop. Rakitic nearly had La Roja on a plane heading south.

Spain v Ireland
Fernando who? Days before that, the Fernando Torres we used to know was resurrected in body and spirit. But moving backwards: Cesc, again as a sub, receives a pass from a corner and leaves Shay Given with nightmares. Earlier, Silva dances, megs a defender who was blocking Given’s eyesight, and scores. Even earlier, Torres gets a one on one and manages not to fumble a perfect opportunity.

But the first is the best. It took four minutes for Torres to score his first goal in a competitive match since the 2008 game winner in Vienna. He robs the ball from one green shirt, skips past another, and blasts it over Given’s head. Nothing but net.

Spain v Italy
Perhaps Torres’ start in Ireland was due to Spain’s offensive “sterility” (Mourinho’s words) against Italy. Torres was subbed in for Cesc and immediately created space, seeing three good chances (all flubbed). Earlier, Cesc had gotten the crucial goal that equalized Di Natale’s opener.

Spain v France
Partidazo! The review/preview comes down to two men: Torres and Cesc.

Without Torres, Spain can be narrow and predictable, but he can be a liability. Maybe he serves as a reference for the midfield, stretches the play, and finishes moves off ruthlessly, as against Ireland. Maybe he is visibly unconfident, absent, and confused, as against Croatia.

Playing Cesc as a 9 could mean goalless domination, as in the first hour against Italy.

If Spain are going in reverse, it is because it is too late to experiment and they remain without a clear best eleven.

Or perhaps, as Del Bosque recently said, critics have lost perspective because they expect La Roja to demolish any opposition without difficulty. They have scored more and conceded fewer goals than any team in this tournament. Del Bosque has put out two strikers; both have scored twice. They are undefeated in 18 matches.

Maybe we are seeing things backward. Maybe this team is moving forward.

The game against France will be seen as a vindication of Del Bosque or of his critics, depending of course on who wins.. Who will win?

Which side of the Pyrenees are you on?

Peace Passers

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:56:07 -0400

Soccer, biking, running, swimming, volleyball, long boarding, the list of sports I enjoy could go on and on. The thrill of sports, the competition, the dedication, are elements shared among all athletes. After being introduced to the beautiful game of soccer at age 4 and still playing at the age of 32, being a “soccer player” is part of my identity.

For those of you that are players, fans or athletes of another sport, imagine where you would be without the game you love? Where would my life be without soccer? Or maybe I ought to delve deeper and ask Who would I be? It’s a tough question, simply because I can’t imagine living without soccer.

I know that soccer taught me teamwork in grade school & discipline thru high school. It forced me to make sacrifices, to sweat, to have stamina and endurance. Soccer introduced me to teammates and to friends from places all over the world. To me it trumps all other sports. Soccer tops the ranks among the world’s games & yes I realize that can stir a bit of hullabaloo among other sport lovers, but voiced in the arena of kyck.com I think it’s a safe claim.

If soccer had given so much to me over the years, what could be done to give back? This significance of this question didn’t fully come to fruition until I traveled outside the United States. I experienced the typical European tour during College - a great introduction to lives lived in a non-American way. Then traveling in my twenties to Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Dominican Republic & West Africa. It was in these places I experienced that race, age, gender, rich or poor, soccer was a common language & an equalizing ground. I learned that for people living in impoverished conditions, in areas we casually refer to as “third world countries”, soccer can mean so much more.

Futbol permeates most cultures with an astounding pride to their country, to their favorite professional club and their own homegrown leagues. Frankly, people live (& die) for it. Many who face living in difficult environments soccer serves as an escape from tough realities. It keeps kids off the streets, away from drugs, it can lead to education and it gives a positive focus amongst challenging circumstances. Despite the intangible qualities soccer provides, opportunity to play the game isn’t as accessible as one might think.

I’ve never had to walk 10 km for a bucket of water and then head to soccer practice. I don’t have to worry about malaria while resting up for a game. And in the same (less life-threatening) thought I haven’t had to use garbage to make shift a ball, play barefoot on a rocky field or be concerned that my team doesn’t have jerseys. It became very real to me that I had taken for granted the amenities. Cleats, jerseys, soccer balls are not automatically on hand, as I had known them to be growing up with the game.

In 2008 PeacePassers.org was founded with the mission to collect & distribute soccer supplies to people and communities throughout the world. Do you have an old pair of cleats from the last time you upgraded your boots or soccer balls collecting dust in the garage? Does your soccer club change uniforms every season? The surplus of equipment among youth soccer leagues, high schools, colleges, former players, coaches etc is astounding. Kids outgrow shoes and they get new jerseys with each team. It’s our culture it’s what we do, replace renew. The Peace Passers organization advocates recycling, and putting gear back into play. Peace Passers provides a way for people to donate their new & used soccer gear and so far has collected over 23,000 items reaching 47 different countries.

More and more young players are leading community service projects and kids are choosing to host birthday parties encouraging their friends to bring soccer balls instead of gifts. It is a tangible way for young players to recognize that they have the power to share the game with others, and it becomes contagious. Community service isn’t just a chore it has actually become a cool thing to do!of the game.

Peace Passers does not have the capacity to ship donated gear, instead distributions are accomplished through collaboration with mission teams, sports ministries & other non-profits. Volunteers offer to carry gear in luggage or organize shipments that ensure equipment reaches areas of the world that would otherwise have little to no access to soccer equipment. Peace Passers connects people who have gear to donate with requests for gear. It’s a spot on example of collaboration. Whether you donate gear, host a collection drive or offer to carry gear to an area of need it all comes full circle in sharing the game.

To see some of the action become a fan & send the good word about Peace Passers onto your friends and family. Ask yourself that scary question, where would you be without soccer? If you find it like I do, to be a difficult answer then I encourage you to pass it forward and help in continuing to share the game with deserving people around the world.

Special thanks to the guys at Kyck.com for posting this blog & extending it out to the network. Peace Passers is looking forward to engaging with Kyck’s new digital platform that will no doubt open doors for enhancing the local & global connections that makes soccer thrive!

For more information visit the website @ www.PeacePassers.org or become a fan @ www.facebook.com/peacepassers.

Candace Murray currently lives in Charlotte, NC. If you have equipment to donate, interest in organizing a fundraiser or would like to help distribute gear on your next trip contact her at peacepassersinfo@gmail.com

Peace Passers is a non-profit organization tax deductible under the 501(c)(3) code of the IRS.

Top Social Media Moments from the Weekend

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 09:27:00 -0400

Best weekend of futbol in awhile. So much action this weekend it was hard to keep up. The Euros kicked off Friday, the US Men’s National Team’s qualifying campaign got off on a three-point start Friday night, Argentina and Brazil duked out a thriller in New Jersey and Sunday gave us the continental pass-fest that was Spain-Italy. We’ve got the social media wrap for you below.

Sergio Ramos showed off his new ‘do with fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres. Otherwise, I have no idea what Ramos is referring to when he calls Torres “the Rat.” Both these guys look ecstatic with their draw, especially Torres, who looks pretty happy for a guy that missed a hatful of chances.

Chivas USA forward Ante Jazic gave us this self-deprecating tweet during the Croatia-Ireland match. Jazic and Croatia manager Slaven Bilic played together at Hajduk Split during the 2000 season.

Former Philadelphia Union forward Alecko Eskandarian told us about eccentric Italian forward Antonio Cassano, who’s insanity is well documented. When Eskandarian was 19, he was playing at the University of Virginia, walking to practice across The Grounds.

Brazil were on the end of another Messi masterpiece, but the 4-3 loss in New Jersey didn’t stop Chelsea center back David Luiz from snapping this Instagram from the heart of NYC. Did anyone see him milling about?

Many of us live close to work. But can you imagine waking up everyday, looking out your window and seeing where you’ll “work” for two hours in front of thousands of people in person and millions around the world? I’ll spare a thought for the intense pressure Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain and England must feel with this view.

What’s a young, talented Dutch footballer do if he’s not going to the Euros? Well, if your Juventus winger Eljero Elia, you go to Ibiza. It’s a good thing Balotelli has something to keep himself busy this summer.

After Spain’s 1-1 draw with Italy, back-up goalkeeper Victor Valdes tweeted (translation): “Still in the stadium doing the drug test (I’ve already done it three times!)…Here, I’m drinking water to go again.” It’s not all glitz and glamour for the world’s best.

What was your favorite moment from the weekend that was?

Top Players in Euro2012 to Follow in Social Media

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 12:54:30 -0400

With the second biggest futbol tournament in the world occurring this summer in Poland and Ukraine, we thought we would recommend a few top performers to follow on Twitter during the Euros. We’ve scoured Europe for a wide range of players. If you’re into Social Media and Euros, then here are our recommendations for 7 players to follow.

Dutch playmaker Rafael van der Vaart has been featured before on the Social Media Review blog and is a must follow. If you’re looking for plenty of Oranje, he’s your man.

England forward Jermain Defoe’s a worthwhile follow on the Twitters. He stays active, retweets followers and, as seen below, enjoys the odd hashtag.

Irish midfielder Simon Cox could be a follow off the beaten path for many attuned footy fans. You’ll see tweets like this one that show how boring major tournaments can be for national players sequestered in training camps far from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis areas.

Give Dutch defender John Heitinga a follow. He’s so into social media he even helped develop his own exclusive app for the tournament. I’ve tried it out but I still prefer KYCK (hope my boss is reading).

Xabi Alonso, Spain’s rhythm setter, has been featured on the blog before and still remains a must-follow. The thinking man’s footballer, Xabi can be counted on to provide some engaging content now that Spain has lifted their social media ban.

Just for fun, make sure you follow ESPN commentator Alexi Lalas. He’ll tweet out some behind the scenes observations with sharp wit and pictures as the Worldwide Leader prepares for its Euro coverage.

Who are you looking forward to following the most during the Euros?

Clint Irwin is a KYCK team member, a professional player for Charlotte Eagles and a coach with Charlotte United. He was an Academic All-American, Hermann Trophy nominee, and Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award nominee at Elon University. You can follow him @ClintIrwin.

Chinese Lessons: Why Spain Will Lose (or Win) Euro 2012

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 06:42:28 -0400

Twenty-three young Spaniards and their affable manager were given a Chinese lesson Sunday evening in Sevilla.

If that sounds like a kind of riddle, it is: why do the reigning champions need an 84th minute wonder run from Andrés Iniesta to eke out a narrow win over China? Spain failed to make a decisive statement on their last chance for fine tuning pre Euro 2012. The favorites were flummoxed.

One could interpret the sub par performance against China, ranked 66th, as a sign of dark days ahead for La Roja. If Spain see an early KO, it will be due to debilities evident in Sunday’s match:

Back Line Bloopers: The absence of Carles Puyol is a greater blow than that of David Villa, as those two beasts were behind all those 1-0 victories in South Africa. Heart, hustle, hair, and the leadership qualities that keep the young troublemakers in line. He’ll be missed.

Love Potion Number Nine: Álvaro Negredo, Fernando Torres, and Fernando “The Lion King” Llorente continue to vie for the central striker position. Llorente’s primary role for V.d.B. is a Plan B, as in the World Cup. Torres scored off a fortunate header against South Korea and Negredo’s work rate is undeniable. Still, none of these guys have yet made a clear case for starting. Negredo said on Sunday that the debate will continue all tournament. I hope he’s wrong.

No Rest for the Gifted: When was the last time tiki-taka King Tut Xavi Hernández had a break? Against China, it seemed that 100 plus passes per game for the past 10,000 years might finally take its toll. He’s not the only one either. Beware fatigue.

All this is mouth watering news for the rest of Europe, but as Spain eye an unprecedented third consecutive international cup, there are other conclusions to draw:

Wins Don’t Lie: Wiseman Vicente del Bosque has led his boys to slaughter in some “friendly” matches, and China perhaps deserved more on Sunday, but don’t read too much into it. Spain’s competitive record is immaculate. They qualified for Euro 2012 with a flurry of victories. Cumulative goal difference: 26-6.

San Iker: His fat gloves and gadget arms and legs shut China down for the first forty-five. Once you achieve sainthood, it doesn’t require renewal like a spiritual driver’s license, but expect to see the miracle instincts of Casillas on display in June.

Cloud with Silva Lining: Del Bosque isn’t much for modifying the winning formula but Villa’s absence secures David Silva a title role. With or without a classic striker, his electric combinations with Iniesta could redefine La Roja. Let the wee midfield maestros loose.

The riddle of the Chinese lesson needs to be solved or it will become the premise of a very bad joke for Spain. If they learn the lesson, fix the formation, and combine urgency with technique, expect a spectacle.

At their best, who can touch them?

Antigua Qualifying Preview

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:38:00 -0400

As the United States begins its qualifying campaign to Brazil in 2014, not much attention has been paid to their first opponents on Friday in Tampa. Antigua & Barbuda represent the first true competitive test for Klinsmann’s camp. Unknown to many observers, Antigua & Barbuda reached the fourth stage on the back of an impressive second round in which they won five and lost one with a goals-for record of 28 and only five goals against. Representing a two islands of 88,000 people (Elmira, NY, pop. 88,840), they could be the story of WCQ if they can pull some shocks.

Having played against most of their national side in the USL (Antigua Barracuda), I can attest to the ability of their players (and the beauty of their island). The US must not take this match for granted. In Englishman Tom Curtis (who also manages Barracuda), Antigua have a knowledgeable leader who played for a myriad of Football League clubs. Curtis favors a hard-working, organized 4-4-2 formation with a predictably direct style of play that accentuates the strengths of his players.

Those strengths lie in the pace and power of “Big” Peter Byers up front. With 31 goals, he’s Antigua’s all time leading scorer. A bit older nowadays, Byers is a veteran of the USL and NASL in North America and can be a handful on his day. He’s the target of the direct approach that Curtis employs. Look for Byers to be on his own up top or paired with a speedy option such as fellow Barracuda Stefan Smith or Nottingham Forest forward Dexter Blackstock who’s just been brought into the national side through parentage.

In midfield, 20-year-old Quinton Griffith is a player to keep an eye on. A true box-to-box midfielder who has the ability and drive to make an impact in one of the top leagues around the world. Griffith has a comparable style of play to Shalrie Joseph, power, economical use of the ball, but with searing pace to drive at back four defenses. Veteran popcorn-club man Mikele Leigertwood (Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, QPR, Reading) provides top-league experience and physicality in midfield as well.

Questions remain though on whether Antigua can keep the giants of CONCACAF at bay. Captain George Dublin leads by example, but at 35 years old, could be in for a torrid time from Jozy Altidore, Ricardo Fuller, Carlos Ruiz and other top forwards in the group. Goalkeeper Molvin James remains untested at the highest level but has looked solid in USL play.

Antigua and Barbuda’s progress has both islands galvanized and dreaming of a place in Brazil. It’s not out of the question. The game in Tampa against the US is probably a write off but the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua is a difficult place to play for any team. Home wins against Jamaica and Guatemala coupled with an away draw against the flaky Jamaicans could see the Benna Boys advance as the second place team in Group A.

Clint Irwin is a KYCK team member, a professional player for Charlotte Eagles and a coach with Charlotte United. He was an Academic All-American, Hermann Trophy nominee, and Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award nominee at Elon University. You can follow him @ClintIrwin.

Open Cup Drama

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:16:44 -0400

The final game of Round 3 in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup finished with Eric Wynalda’s Cal FC disposing of the Portland Timbers in extra time, 1-0. The result capped off a two day stand between MLS teams and non-MLS teams including a few PDL and amateur teams. Of the 16 games, only eight MLS sides were victorious.

Half of the US-based MLS teams advanced. This may be a testament to the teams from lower divisions. This may be a testament of the lack of interest in the Cup to some MLS teams. But the desire of some of these clubs is noticeable.

MLS clubs like Seattle and DC United have not let the cup slip from their grasps too easily. Seattle is attempting to score their fourth consecutive Open Cup trophy. As for DC United, playing in what could be considered a Derby Game versus Richmond in Round 3 of the Cup took them 107 minutes to get the game winner.

Marcelo Saragosa, who has had a rough campaign with personal issues, came up huge for United. He latched on to a loose ball in the box during a corner kick in the 107th minute to secure United’s spot in the next round to face Philadelphia Union at the Maryland Soccer Plex next week.

Ben Olsen even said that this game was a gut-check for the first placed MLS side. A comment that can only mean he might not let the next few rounds slip.

Coming up against a Philly team that needs to prove something be more of a test. Philly is one of the worst teams in the league, and needs some motivation moving forward.

But United will be trying to add more trophies to the mantle in the 99th edition of the US Open Cup. In a facility that should draw a nice United crowd, the team still has a lot to play for.

Considering the next league game is not for a couple more weeks, I’d expect players coming back from injury to get some reps, as well as some key starters to play a big role in these cup games.

After all, the winner of the Open Cup receives and automatic bid to play in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Playing clubs from other nations successfully as United plays domestic clubs has to be a future objective.

Let’s just hope there isn’t too much more drama on the United front, and its smooth sailing in the cup from here. Advancing to the quarter-finals will be a big achievement, and further will be a testament as to where this team stands.

Jay Landskroener - @rockthepost
Writer and host for Rattle the Frame (@rattletheframe) Blog/Podcast. Contributor to kyck.com about DC United.

DC United Fans Have a New Slogan

Wed, 30 May 2012 10:05:34 -0400

“Take Back RFK”

This is the slogan that DC United fans have been using for upcoming home game at RFK Stadium. And so far this season, it is what they’ve done.

The black-and-red has won four consecutive games at home, including games against Colorado and Toronto. On the year they are 5-1-2 at home.

Considering that all of last year they were 4-5-8 at RFK and 3-11-1 in 2010, I think it’s safe to say at this juncture in the season United have “taken back RFK”.

With impressive form of newcomers Nick DeLeon, Danny Cruz, and Hamdi Salihi, as well as players of old Chris Pontius, Dwayne DeRosario, and Perry Kitchen this roster-deep United squad is very entertaining to watch.

With the exception of letting in five goals against San Jose in the 5-3 midweek shootout, the back line has been fairly stout considering injuries, and both Joe Willis and Bill Hamid have been outstanding between the sticks.

The most impressive thing about this DC squad is how well the depth has adapted to Ben Olsen, and how he has utilized it properly. He has preached in many interviews how the one thing he wanted with this team is to build depth and competition for each position. Both have already been used due to injuries and international call-ups.

In defense a hamstring injury to Emiliano Dudar has forced Benny to rotate his central defense almost every week. Throw in a random retroactive suspension (which I find to be insulting to the professional refs MLS hired) of Brandon McDonald, and his defensive tactics were really being put to the test. Players like Daniel Woolard, Chris Korb and Robbie Russell have done excellent helping Benny rotate his back line.

Each of the wings for this team has seen numerous players rotated. Nick DeLeon had an amazing run of form, which he’s been resting lately after picking up a slight knock. Danny Cruz has been a revelation. Andy Najar has jumped around from fullback to winger a lot, and Lewis Neal looked amazing last week.

Chris Pontius, who can play on the wing, has shown great flashes up front with Maicon Santos. Hamdi Salihi, has really come into his own on this roster. And Branko Boskovic has put dangerous balls in during set pieces consistently so far this campaign.

They are all taking their responsibilities seriously and following Benny’s command in DC. In this moment the team seems to be enjoying themselves. I’d like to think Benny would have it no other way, as long as the job gets done.

After all now that RFK has been taken back, and a slew of away matches coming up, this long season shouldn’t be as bad as years passed for DC United.

It might be too early to add a fifth star to the kit, but this is fun season so far for United fans.

Written by: Jay Landskroener – @rockthepost